By Daniel Adam
Staff Writer
dadam@fortfrances.com

Kaakewaaseya Justice Services held its grand opening yesterday from its new office in Fort Frances. Elders Priscilla Simard of Couchiching First Nation and Betty Degagne of Naicatchewenin First Nation conducted the smudging and held prayers during the opening. Elder Simard said it will be important to smudge the office often […]

- Melissa Gushulak photo

The Rainy Lake Square was the backdrop for this year’s Mini King and Queen contest. The 2023 Mini King and Mini Queen were chosen by a panel of judges, following an interview session. The competition was close, but Bryson and Bristol emerged as the winners by the end of the […]

Elisa Nguyen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
enguyen@fortfrances.com

Canada Day is just around the corner and families will be gathering outdoors for a full day of events in Fort Frances. July 1st commemorates the anniversary of the Constitution Act, which consolidated three territories into the single nation of Canada way back in 1867. The day will begin with […]

By Eric Shih
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

Canada Day fireworks are being rescheduled to a later date in Kenora and Sioux Lookout due to the extreme fire risk. Event organizers for both communities said they would postpone their fireworks displays until conditions improve. “After consultation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and evaluation of the current hot […]

By Carl Clutchey
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

Thunder Bay, Ont. — Proponents of a proposed underground nuclear-waste storage site were peppered with questions Monday night from about 50 Kaministiquia -area residents, who managed to turn out even though an information meeting hadn’t been formally advertised. A regional Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) spokesman said meetings are usually […]

A Northwestern Ontario MP is calling for enhanced federal coordination for responding to wildfires across the country. The country has been grappling with what is expected to be the worst forest fire season on record, with Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Quebec all facing major fires that have led to evacuations. […]

Police briefs (FORT FRANCES, ON) – Members of the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged one individual following an incident at a local business. On June 27, 2023, shortly after 1:00 p.m., members of the Rainy River District OPP responded to an […]

Staff

An up-and-coming athlete was the inspiration for a partnership between Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation (OLG) and Iskatewizaagegan #39 – Independent First Nation to completely refurbish their local basketball court. The new court was unveiled on June 23, 2023 during a community event featuring Emily Mandamin, the first person from […]

By Ken Kellar
Staff writer
kkellar@fortfrances.com

A special collaborative project has brought a brand-new, but traditionally-made birchbark canoe to Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre to serve as a showpiece and symbol of reconciliation for years to come. In a special ceremony held at the centre, also known as Manitou Mounds, on Thursday, June 22, 2023, students from Algonquin […]

By Megan Walchuk
Editor
mwalchuk@fortfrances.com

Norma Elliott was many things: a rebellious spirit; a natural leader; a pragmatic problem-solver; a devoted caregiver. As a skilled and respected nurse, she made a profound impact on healthcare in the Rainy River District. And now, her legacy is living on through a matching donation campaign launched by her […]